Newcastle born bowling empire expanding chain into Europe

Lane 7 was born in Newcastle a decade ago and is now ready to expand into Europe.
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Newcastle born bowling empire Lane7 has already spawned across the UK and is now preparing to hit Europe.

The venue, which combines traditional tenpin bowling with a bar, games and more opened in Newcastle 10 years ago and the site on St. James' Boulevard has been replicated in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birstol, Durham, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Leicester, Manchester and Bath since its birth.

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The Tyneside venue is popular amongst local residents and bigger named visitors including Trixie Mattel and HRVY.

New plans unveiled confirm a further two sites in London and a first foray into Europe, alongside a new electronically synced indoor karting experience under the brand name.

A site will open at Victoria in the capital before the end of the year with another London venue confirmed, but details of which are currently under wraps.

There will also be a second Birmingham site and a first European location in Ireland capital Dublin before the end of 2023.

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Owner and founder of Lane7 and Level X, Tim Wilks said: “When we launched the Lane7 brand ten years ago in Newcastle, the insane customer response immediately told us we had a pioneering concept that other locations across the UK would love.

Lane 7 was born in Newcastle and is now expanding into EuropeLane 7 was born in Newcastle and is now expanding into Europe
Lane 7 was born in Newcastle and is now expanding into Europe

“Every new site opening has enabled us to push the boundaries further than what even I thought possible. Every time, the customer demand has told us to keep pushing to introduce new experiences and concepts. We’ve been imitated many times over, which is unbelievably flattering, but every new opening, and our breathless expansion plans, show that we remain way ahead of the competition.

“The growing team here consists of some of the best creative and operational brains in hospitality. We remain fiercely independent, so their shackles are off and the possibilities are endless. Making plans for an aggressive European offensive and to land hard in London with two sites this year is an enormous statement of intent. We dream big and then deliver. It’s what we do.”